Blog: August is National Immunization Month

Wednesday

Aug 21, 2013 at 10:00 AM

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that August hasbeen designated National Immunization Awareness Month. The goal of NationalImmunization Awareness Month is to increase awareness about immunizationsacross the life span, from infants to the elderly.

Rae-Ann Tucker-Marshall Henry-Stark Health Department

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that August hasbeen designated National Immunization Awareness Month. The goal of NationalImmunization Awareness Month is to increase awareness about immunizationsacross the life span, from infants to the elderly.

Sandy Sommer, RN Clinical Services Supervisor with the Health Departmentstates, "August is the perfect time to remind family, friends, co-workers,and those in the community to catch up on their vaccinations. Parents areenrolling their children in school, students are entering college, andhealthcare workers are preparing for the upcoming flu season."

Immunization is one of the most significant public health achievementsof the 20th century. Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, eliminated wildpoliovirus in the US and significantly reduced the number of cases ofmeasles, diptheria, rubella, pertussis and other diseases. But despitethese efforts, today tens of thousands of people in the US still die fromthese and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious diseases.By staying up-to-date on the recommended vaccines, individuals can protectthemselves, their families and friends and their communities from serious,life-threatening infections.

Sommer adds, "Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting communityeffort regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic background or country of origin.Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and continue throughoutlife. Being aware of the vaccines that are recommended for infants,children, adolescents, adults of all ages and seniors, and making sure thatwe receive these immunizations, are critical to protecting ourselves and ourcommunities from disease."

Because children are particularly vulnerable to infection, most vaccinesare given during the first five to six years of life. Other immunizationsare recommended during adolescent or adult years and, for certain vaccines,booster vaccination are recommended throughout life. Vaccines againstcertain diseases that may be encountered when traveling outside the US arerecommended for travelers to specific regions of the world.

The Health Department Clinical services staff reminds area residentsthat immunizations can be obtained through the Health Departments' clinicoffices in Kewanee and Colona by appointment. For more information on theHealth Departments' Immunization program call the Department at (309)852-5272 (Kewanee) 852-3115 (Stark) or 792-4011(Colona) or visit our websiteat www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark CountyHealth Departments.